Boeing Invests $6-Million in Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Date Released: June 5, 2018

Investment assists diverse students interested in aerospace careers

Boeing has announced a $6-million investment in the future technical workforce through a partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). TMCF—the largest U.S. organization exclusively representing the black college community—supports some 300,000 students in 47 member-schools, including public HBCUs, medical schools, and law schools.

The investment will fund scholarships, internships, on-campus engagements, and immersive “boot camp” programs designed to introduce students to Boeing’s culture and career paths. Seven HBCUs in addition to Morehouse College will benefit Alabama A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Howard University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Tuskegee University.

“I would like to thank Boeing and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund for this generous donation,” said David A. Thomas, President of Morehouse College. “This partnership will create a pathway to prosperity for students that will expose them to scholarships, internships, and STEM careers at Boeing.

“Morehouse College produces more black men who go on to earn their doctorates in STEM fields than any other college in the nation,” Thomas added. “That pipeline to Ph.D. programs will be enhanced because of this effort."

Chicago-based Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space, and security systems. The company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries.

“This investment is another example of how we are building a diverse pipeline of future talent,” said Michael Ford, Boeing vice president of global diversity and inclusion. “Through scholarships, internships, on-campus engagements, and immersive opportunities at Boeing, we hope to inspire and enable HBCU students to pursue careers in the aerospace industry.”

And Harry L. Williams, TMCF president and CEO, called the Boeing support more than a gift. “It is the manifestation of a long-term strategic partnership that will change the trajectory of so many innovative, intelligent, and deserving students.”

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund supports students through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships. The nonprofit is a vital resource for students in preschool through college, and helps employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.

TMCF is named after the late Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court associate justice.